With many opt outs in the Bowl Games, it has become increasingly difficult to assess NFL Draft value for the 2023 draft utilizing these games. Either the players playing and doing well are going back to school for 2024, or draftable prospects are skipping out. There are exceptions of course, but especially early in Bowl Season, my focus is on late round or undrafted players who helped their stock now or in the future.
Stock Up
Kobie Turner, DL, Wake Forest
Wake Forest against Missouri was a battle, but the draft prospects really shined on the Demon Deacon side in the Gasparilla bowl. Turner was the highlight with a dominating performance against the Tigers offensive line to wreck their gameplan. He was consistently in the backfield providing pressure and getting a sack as well as 2 TFL in the game, including a forced fumble. Turner plays with great leverage and tenacity, two traits that should give him NFL success. At 6’3, 290 he can be an ideal 5-tech to set the edge and provide some pass rush along with it. Going to the Shrine game, he has a chance to be a contributing Day 3 pick.
A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
Going to the Shrine Game with Turner, Perry continued his dominance while Sam Hartman is in at QB. With a big wingspan to beat jams, Perry has the length and short area quickness to get open easily. He is a great contested ball catcher as well. 11 catches for 116 yards is a nice stat line, and he was often the first read for Hartman. Though there will be some speed and BMI concerns, Perry’s college resume is pretty polished, all things considered. He should do well at the Shrine and improve his stock to Early Day 3.
Brad Roberts, RB, Air Force
Playing College Fantasy Football (something you should try if you read this article) has made me respect Roberts so much more. The “Fullback” for Air Force is one of the toughest runners in all of college football utilizing short yardage ability and great vision to almost always pick up yardage. The Air Force system forces extreme gap discipline, and Roberts almost always takes advantage when the defenders cheat. He’s not overly big or fast, but he can block and run through you for extra yardage. He showed some prowess in the Armed Forced Bowl against Baylor running for 116 yards and 2 TDs, tearing up the Bears on the ground. He will be an undrafted FA, but one who might impress in a camp.
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